Design Parti for Artist’s Residence –Michelle LiechtyPhase 1- AnalysisI began my design process by examining Steven Holl’s Fukuoka Housing project. I enjoyed his use of formas well as his use of hinged space. Furthering my research into hinged space, I found Hanrahan & Meyer’sHolley Loft. In Holley Loft, the large rectangular space is subdivided into both private and public spacesby the use of solid walls, glass and steel framed walls and hinged/sliding partitions. I enjoy both architects’use of form and open subdivisions, allowing the client to interpret the space as needed, while also givingthe design a formal and finalized feel.

http://www.stevenholl.com/PT099_1C.htmhttp://www.moma.org/exhibitions/1999/un-privatehouse/project_08.htmlPhase 2- Description

My design has gleaned from the clean, formalgeometries of both analyzed spaces in order tocreate a new system of hinged spaces and formsbeneficial to my client. The entire plan and sectionsare based off of a 2sf grid, by which all -geometriesare created. Interior spaces, like in Holl and H&Mare left open aside from sliding and hinged panels,

which can be moved back or expanded dependant on the client’s needs. Unlike with Holl and H&M, beingpart of an apartment complex does not encumber the exterior massing of my building. This allows theexterior walls to continue the hinged theme in either function or implied form. (Images of an extreriorhinged wall study)Phase 3- Evolution

From my work on ordering a 9-Square Grid, I found that I too often pushed symmetry inmy design, leaving it somewhat flat and without personality (see image at left). Iwanted to maintain this purity of form and design within my new grid system, whileavoiding its monotony. My first concept for the artist’s space was too focused onfunction and trying not to create a symmetric building. In this sense I succeeded, but thebuilding lacked any direction and was certainly not very compelling. For my finaldesign, I basically scrapped my concept and started with a new parti and outlook,

keeping what worked from past projects(geometric pattern play) but pushing it further .Phase 4- Personal ReflectionI did not realize when I decided to work with hinges, how difficult this assignment was going to be for me.The hinged spaces work two-dimensionally on one level while 3 dimensionally on another. I really neededto push myself to expand the parti beyond flat walls with interplaying geometries, to three dimensionalforms with interesting geometries. If I were to rework this project, I’d develop an overall massing ontowhich I’d then apply the materials and geometries in section. I also ran into issues with functionality. As aproduct designer, if given a set of functional design criteria, I will follow the client’s requests precisely,forsaking the design at function’s expense. It was surprising how much I would allow these constraints tolimit my creative process. In the end, I feel that constrained my initial design process and inevitably forcedmyself to compromise part of my design for the sake of others. I wish I had found a way to balance all ofmy constraints earlier in the design process.

Left: Steven Holl’s Fukuoka Housing

Below: Hanrahan Meyer’s Holley Loft